Cody Johnson Releases Long-Awaited Studio Version of ‘Travelin’ Soldier’
“I knew at some point, when the time felt right, we needed to record it in the studio…”

Cody Johnson; Photo by Chris Douglas
Fans asked, and Cody Johnson finally answered. For years, people have begged him to release an official studio version of “Travelin’ Soldier,” ever since his acoustic YouTube cover took off. Now, just in time for Veterans Day, the full version is here. It’s a heartfelt salute to every branch of the military and to all first responders who serve with courage.

“It’s been three years since we released an acoustic cover of ‘Travelin’ Soldier.’ The fans responded so enthusiastically and began requesting it during our live shows so it’s remained on the set list,” Johnson shared. “I had no idea that it was going to give me the opportunity to hear, see, and bring words to y’all’s stories. I knew at some point, when the time felt right, we needed to record it in the studio. And that time is now COJO Nation!”
“Travelin’ Soldier” was written and recorded by Bruce Robinson. Many people know The Chicks’ version of “Travelin’ Soldier,” which was released as a single by the trio in 2002. They famously performed the song during the 2001 CMA Awards and earned a No.1 single with the track.
Cody Johnson’s recording of “Travelin’ Soldier” comes as his latest radio single, “The Fall,” continues to climb the charts. The song is the second single off his Leather Deluxe Edition album and was written by Bobby Pinson, Jeremy Stover, and Ray Fulcher.
“The Fall” delivers a reflective, bittersweet message about the highs and lows of life as the Texas native sings, “The ride was worth the fall/ The fall was worth the smiles/ The smiles were worth the tears/ Tears were worth the miles/ Miles were worth the pain/ Pain was worth it all/ It’s all worth this life/ Life is worth the ride/ The ride is worth the fall.”

Recently, Johnson brought the song to life with a music video, blending his love for country music and rodeo into one cinematic clip featuring world champion bull fighter Cody Webster.
Cody Johnson is heading into “The 59th Annual CMA Awards” with four big nominations. He’s up for Entertainer of the Year for the first time, plus Male Vocalist of the Year, and both Music Event and Video of the Year for his two-week number one hit with Carrie Underwood, “I’m Gonna Love You.”
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.









